Need welder recommendation
- Thread starter tilex08
- Start date
btbsandman
Well-known member
Question has come up before.
Take a look at the search function.
Take a look at the search function.
plinker
Well-known member
I'm not sure on the cost, but the Hobart 140 is a 115v welder ( standard outlet) that can use either flux core or solid wire with shielding gas.
If you can go the extra money and have access to 220v, the Hobart 187 is a nice machine. I think it's around 700$.
If you can go the extra money and have access to 220v, the Hobart 187 is a nice machine. I think it's around 700$.
gsport
Well-known member
lol... i think you should just do alot of reading and find out exactly what you want.. check out miller.com or some other welding site and do a little research on them
slipjointed
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 31, 2011
- Messages
- 665
Your best deal is always going to be a lightly used brand name unit on Craigslist or local classifieds... most quality welders are tough, built to last, and meant to take abuse. They're a pretty safe used buy as long as you give them a good try-out before purchase.
I'd recommend taking a welding course at your local community college, or even just pay a mobile welder for a couple hours of his time to show you the ropes.
I'd recommend taking a welding course at your local community college, or even just pay a mobile welder for a couple hours of his time to show you the ropes.
Not bad. But, I have owned Lincoln and Miller, and for that price point I would go with a Hobart 140. That's a Miller product. I had issues with my Lincoln MIG as did my buddy.
Im sure there are people on here that have great experience with Lincoln and I have heard good things about their TIGs, but I didnt care for their lower amp MIGs.
That said, Its just my small footprint of experience since you asked, but lets not highjack the OP's post with a Lincoln/Miller battle
Last edited:
Outlawmws
Well-known member
I have an older Lincoln SP125 plus, and I've used other 120 V machines as well. This (older) Lincoln is a good machine within the limits of the lower input voltage. I sold a 220V Miller 160 SP and bought the smaller welder as I still wanted a decent welder for small jobs after I stopped building race cars and such. I simply could not justify the space needed in my small shop.
I bought the Lincoln over the then current Miller, Hobart and other 120V offerings because at the time, a lot of them had aluminum wound transformers.
I think all of the major welder makers do a good job, but get the cover off, and/or get to the specs and see what they did inside. The small boxes are limited enough without further limiting them with Aluminum. (No Clue how the current offerings are built)
With the small 120 V machines you have a choice (usually) of flux core, or non flux core and using a shielding gas. Argon, CO2, or a mix. Using a shielding gas take more power for the same weld, but you do get a cleaner weld with less spatter. Flux core will leave some spatter, not anything like Arc however.
If you want to weld aluminum, you will need a shielding gas as, as far as I know, they do not make a flux core for aluminum. You will also need other things as well.
Agreed on taking a welding class at a community college. Welding is not something I recommend leaning by trial and error, nor from Joe average welder. In a class environment you get the background (and the developed training materials) that even if the welder knows his stuff, he may not have the ability to truly teach you at that level.
I bought the Lincoln over the then current Miller, Hobart and other 120V offerings because at the time, a lot of them had aluminum wound transformers.
I think all of the major welder makers do a good job, but get the cover off, and/or get to the specs and see what they did inside. The small boxes are limited enough without further limiting them with Aluminum. (No Clue how the current offerings are built)
With the small 120 V machines you have a choice (usually) of flux core, or non flux core and using a shielding gas. Argon, CO2, or a mix. Using a shielding gas take more power for the same weld, but you do get a cleaner weld with less spatter. Flux core will leave some spatter, not anything like Arc however.
If you want to weld aluminum, you will need a shielding gas as, as far as I know, they do not make a flux core for aluminum. You will also need other things as well.
Agreed on taking a welding class at a community college. Welding is not something I recommend leaning by trial and error, nor from Joe average welder. In a class environment you get the background (and the developed training materials) that even if the welder knows his stuff, he may not have the ability to truly teach you at that level.
crewchief888
Well-known member
i picked up a lincoln 140 @ lowes a few years ago on clearance for $359 (?).
no issues or problems.
ptschram
Well-known member
I have had wonderful luck with the current crop of Chi-Com welding stuff.
Check out "Real Gear", sold through Praxair and GTC-WElco, their on-line arm.
I'm very pleased with my 110 machine, perhaps even more than my Hobart.
Check out "Real Gear", sold through Praxair and GTC-WElco, their on-line arm.
I'm very pleased with my 110 machine, perhaps even more than my Hobart.
JASTECH
Well-known member
I would agree with a community college class to open your eyes and mind to what you will be able to do and be proud of the results.
Doe's Home Cheepo have the welders they carry made to their specs, lower quality/price? I know that Lincoln tombstone I can pick up easy (aluminum wound) compared to my old tombstone on wheels (copper wound).
Doe's Home Cheepo have the welders they carry made to their specs, lower quality/price? I know that Lincoln tombstone I can pick up easy (aluminum wound) compared to my old tombstone on wheels (copper wound).
casper13
Member
I just bought a Hobart 140 at Northern, just under $500, free shipping, no tax for me and a cart included at no charge. If you add something else to the order to get it over $500, you get a free $50.00 gift card. That was the best deal I found, check it out
ptschram
Well-known member
bobcatdan
Well-known member
Just me, but I would stay away from a Lincoln from the box stores. My understanding are those are a lower line vs buying one from a Airgas or Praxair. Other then a tombsone older then me, I have never had good luck with Lincoln welders, not the 255 at work, my 170 at home or my buddy's 125. If I were you I would look at a Hobart 140 and a Miller 140. Same company, Horbart good, Miller best on the planet. For the price difference see if the Miller auto set is something you would like. I have used in on a Miller 180 and it is feature is really nice.
was just gonna mention that, its a pretty good deal on a great machine. I ended up settling for a used miller tho
Coach James
Well-known member
What is the source of information that the big box machines are cheapened versions of the same model number sold at specialty shops?
Coach
Coach
kapster
Well-known member
I had a clarke 130amp mig, gas only. Was a decent welder, made in italy(mine was anyway), was always to small for me. I'd always have it cranked, over 3/16 or maybe 1/4 forget it. With it on the high setting the duty cycle was low so you couldnt weld very long. Then you'd have to wait for it to cool.
I have a thermal arc 255 now, like it a lot.
I would say go with a (220v) 180ish amp over a (110v) 130amp, if you can swing it. I guess depends what you're doing but anything over sheet metal will leave you disapointed.
Mig (gas welding) is probably superior to flux core but even the slightest breeze can blow away your shielding gas and make a bad weld. Can weld outside (in breeze) with flux core. Mig wire is also much cheaper then flux core but you have cylinder expense.
I have a thermal arc 255 now, like it a lot.
I would say go with a (220v) 180ish amp over a (110v) 130amp, if you can swing it. I guess depends what you're doing but anything over sheet metal will leave you disapointed.
Mig (gas welding) is probably superior to flux core but even the slightest breeze can blow away your shielding gas and make a bad weld. Can weld outside (in breeze) with flux core. Mig wire is also much cheaper then flux core but you have cylinder expense.